Device for suspending a carrying case



Jan. 16, 1968 G. A. HALL, JR, ET AL 3,363,814

DEVICE FOR SUSPENDING A CARRYINGv CASE Filed Jan. 10, 1967 2 SheetsSheet 1 f 54 INVBNTORS GEORGE A. HALL, Jr.

Y 52 64 36 BY RA 5 WILLIAMS Fig.5 I

ATTORNEY V Jan. 16, 1968 G. A. HALL, JR.. ET AL 3,3

DEVICE FOR SUSPENDING A CARRYING CASE 2 SheetsSheet 2 Filed Jan. 10, 1967 FigJZ IOO INVENTORS GEORGE A. HALL, Jr. RAY S. WILLIAMS ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,363,814 DEVICE FOR SUSPEANDING A CARRYING C SE George A. Hall, In, 925 Parkview Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.

15243, and Ray S. Williams, 736 Cleveland Ave.,

Orrville, Ohio 44667 Filed Jan. 10, 1967, Ser. No. 608,331 9 Claims. (Cl. 224-) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates generally to carrying cases of the type adapted to store accessories, and more particularly to a device for suspending carrying cases of the type described, on a person in a manner which permits ready access to the accessories within the case.

Background of invention A convenient and efiicient way to carry accessories has been a problem. Photographers, for example, must carry many accessories which include filters, flash bulbs, different focal length lenses, extra film, and the like.

The most frequent design of a carrying case now in use is a single cavity bag carried on a shoulder strap. When several pieces of equipment are carried in this type of case, each piece requires a protective case to prevent damage. This requirement creates confusion and ineificiency. More important, however, is the fact that the protective cases for each of these several pieces reduces the number of such pieces which may be housed Within a case of a given size.

The inefliciency of the present carrying cases can best be illustrated by describing, for example, the steps involved in a simple lens change. These steps include: (1) opening the carrying case cover; (2) removing the lens from the camera; (3) removing the empty protective covering of the lens from the carrying case; (4) placing the lens in its protective cover; (5) placing the old lens and cover in the carrying case; (6) removing the new lens and cover from the carrying case; (7) removing the new lens from its protective cover; (8) returning the empty protective cover to the carrying case; (9) installing the lens on the camera; and (10) closing the carrying case cover.

There have been efforts to correct this condition in some of the carrying cases now on the market, by installing dividers, trays and fold-out sides. Even though these changes help, they are limited because of the shape of the case. To be comfortably carried on a strap engaged over the persons shoulder, the case must have more depth than width. This shape makes it necessary to have more than one layer of accessories in the case to efliciently use the space.

There is one prior art carrying case that has overcome this space problem. It is essentially an attache case filled with polyurethane foam to hold the accessories in place. This is a big improvement but even though suspended from a shoulder strap is still inefficient because it must be set on a flat stable surface to be used.

Summary of invention Accordingly, as an overall object, the present invention seeks to provide a device for suspending a carrying case from the shoulder of a person and in a manner which permits it to be positioned in a normal carrying position and to be rotated into and held steady in a generally horizontal position for access to accessories within the case.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for suspending a carrying case in a generally vertical, normal carrying position and wherein inadvertent opening of the lid is prevented.

3,353,814 Patented Jan. 16, 1968 A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for suspending a carrying case in a generally horizontal position wherein access to the interior of the case is available by opening the lid and wherein inadvertent rotation of the carrying case to the normal carrying position is prevented.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device for comfortably suspending a carrying case from the shoulder of a person and whereby the carrying case may be placed in a stable, generally horizontal position wherein all accessories are conveniently available for removal or replacement of the same.

Although not limited thereto, the present suspending device is particularly adapted for use with a carrying case of the type having a bottom wall, upstanding side walls and a lid hinged to one of the side walls. The interior of such a carrying case may be provided with plastic foam having depressions adapted to receive and retain accessories such as lenses, filters, flash bulbs and the like.

In accordance with the present invention, a novel device for suspending a carrying case is provided, which comprises a generally U-shaped handle or bail including spaced arms pivotally connected to opposite side walls of the carrying case such that the carrying case is pivotal about a common axis. Strap means is connected to the handle and is adapted to suspend the case from a shoulder of a person and at one of his sides. The present device further includes stop means which are engageable with the arms of the handle for limiting the pivotal movement of the case about the pivotal axis to a first extreme position wherein the case is generally vertical and in a normal carrying position and to a second extreme position wherein the case is generally horizontal and access to the interior of the case is available by lifting the lid.

Further in accordance with the present invention, a stabilizing member is provided which comprises a pair of bars having corresponding ends pivotally connected to the spaced arms at locations intermediate the ends of the arms and a rod connecting corresponding opposite ends of the bars. The arrangement is such that the rod engages the lid when the casing is in the aforesaid first extreme position to prevent inadvertent opening of the lid and engages one ofthe upstanding side walls of the case when the case is in the second extreme position to prevent inadvertent pivoting of the case toward the first extreme position.

Still further in accordance with the present invention, the pivotal axis of the present suspending device is preferably offset from the center of gravity of the case toward the bottom wall and one of the side walls. The overall arrangement is such that the carrying case is unbalanced and whether in the first extreme position or in the second extreme position, it tends to rotate past the stop means associated with the first and second extreme positions. With this arrangement, the case is urged into engagement with the stop means and tends to remain in the desired position.

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of a carrying case disposed in a generally vertical, normal carrying position and provided with the suspending device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the carrying case of FIG. 1 wherein the carrying case is in a generally horizontal position with its lid open for access to the interior of the case;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side view, on an enlarged scale, illustrating a pivotal connection and stop means of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic illustrations of a carrying case disposed in a vertical and in a horizontal position, respectively, and illustrating certain principles of the suspending device of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view, similar to FIG. 4, illustrating an alternative embodiment of stop means of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a carrying case disposed in a generally vertical, normal canrying position and illustrating an alternative embodiment of the present suspending device;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the carrying case of FIG. 9 wherein the carrying case is in a generally horizontal position for access to the interior of the case;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line XI-XI of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating a side plate in greater detail.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, there is shown a carrying case 10 having a bottom wall 12, opposite side walls 14, a front wall 16 and a rear wall 18. The case 10 also includes a lid 20 which is pivotally connected to the rear wall 18 by means of a hinge 22. A suitable latching or locking mechanism 24 is provided on the lid 20 and front wall 16 for the purpose of locking the lid in the closed position shown in FIG. 1.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the interior of the case It) is provided with a layer of foam 26 having depressions 28 adapted to receive and retain various accessories. The lid 20 is also provided with a layer of plastic foam 30 which is adapted to squeeze down on and engage the accessories and retain them firmly within the depressions 28 when the lid 20 is closed.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the carrying case 10 is provided with a suspending device 32 of the present invention. The present suspending device 32 includes a U- shaped handle or bail 34 comprising spaced arms 36 and a central member 38 connecting corresponding ends of the spaced arms 36. A shoulder strap 40 has its opposite ends connected to the handle 34 and is provided with a pad 42 adapted to engage the shoulder of a person wearing the case 10. Although not illustrated, the shoulder strap 40 is preferably of the adjustable length type.

The present suspending device 32 further includes pivot means 44 for pivotally connecting the corresponding opposite ends of the spaced arms 36 to the opposite side walls 14 of the case 10. The pivot means 44 define a pivotal axis, indicated by the dash-dot line 46, about which the case 10 is pivotal between the vertical position illustrated in FIG. 1 and the horizontal position illustrated in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the pivot means 44 comprise channel members 48 each of which includes a central web 50 having inturned legs 52 terminating in outturned flanges 54. The flanges 54 are secured to the opposite side wall 14 by any suitable means such as fasteners 56. The end of the arm 36 is pivotally connected to the central web 50 by a suitable pivot connection 58.

The present suspending device 32 includes stop means, to be described in conjunction with FIGS. 4 and 5, which serve to limit the pivotal movement of the case 10 about the axis 46, by stopping \the case 10 at a first extreme position 60 corresponding to the generally vertical, normal carrying position illustrated in FIG. 1; and at a second extreme position 62 corresponding to the generally horizontal position illustrated in FIG. 2. Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the present stop means preferably comprise corresponding edges 64, 66 of the inturned legs 52. Hence, when the case 10 is rotated into the first extreme position 60 (FIG. 1), the arms 36 will engage the edges 64 and stop the case 10 at the first extreme position 60.

4 Conversely, when the case 10 is pivoted from the first extreme position 66 (FIG. 1) to the second extreme position 62 (FIG. 2), the arms 36, as illustrated in dash-dot outline in FIGS. 4 and 5, will engage the edges 66 of the inturned legs 52 and stop the case 10 at the second extreme position 62.

Reference is now directed to FIG. 8 wherein an alternative arrangement of the stop means is illustrated. Corresponding numerals will be employed to identify corresponding parts heretofore described. In this embodiment, the stop means comprise opposite edges 64, 68 of one of the inturned legs 52 of the channel member 48. Also in this embodiment, the arm 36 is provided with a projecting end '70. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the arm 36 will engage the edge 64 when the case 10 is in the first extreme position 60 (FIG. 1); and the projecting end 70 will engage the edge 68 when the case 10 is in the second extreme position 62 (FIG. 2).

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the handle 34 is provided with a stabilizing member 72 serving to prevent inadvertent opening of the lid when the case is in the first extreme position 60 and preventing inadvertent pivoting of the case 10 from the second extreme position 62 toward the first extreme position 60. The stabilizing member 72, as can best be seen in FIG. 1, comprises a pair of bars '74 having corresponding ends pivotally connected to the arms 36 at locations intermediate of the ends of the arms 36 and a rod 76 connecting the corresponding opposite ends of the bars 72. The overall arrangement of the stabilizing member 72 is such that when the case 10 is in the first extreme position 60, the rod 76 is engaged with the lid 20 and prevents inadvertent opening of the same;

and when the case 10 is in the second extreme position 62, the rod 76 is engaged with the rear wall 18 to prevent inadvertent rotation of the case 10 back toward the first extreme position 60.

If desired, the handle 34 may be provided with a second rod 78 which is carried adjacent the central member 38 and positioned to be engaged by the lid 20 when it is opened.

In the present suspending device, the common axis 46 defined by the pivot means 44 is preferably offset from the center of gravity of the case 10. As shown schematically in FIGS. 6 and 7, the case 10 has a center of gravity indicated at 80 and the weight of the case 10 acts along the force line 82. The pivotal axis of the case 10, indicated at 46, is offset from the center of gravity 80 toward the bottom wall 12 and toward the rear wall 18. The arrangement is such that when the case 10 is in the first extreme position 60, as shown in FIG. 6, the case 10 is unbalanced and tends to continue to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. The stop means associated with the first extreme position 60 prevents continued rotation of the case 10. Similarly, when the case 10 is in the second extreme position 62, as shown in FIG. 7, the case 10 is again unbalanced and tends to continue to rotate in a clockwise direction. The stop means associated with the second extreme position prevents continued rotation of the case 10. That is to say, when the case 10 is in either of the extreme positions 60, 62, the unbalanced condition of the case keeps the arms 36 engaged with the edges 64, 66 (FIG. 4) and, hence, maintains the case 10 at the desired position.

When the present case suspending device 32 is employed, a simple lens change is indeed simple. The steps include (1) rotating the case It) to the horizontal position 62; (2) opening the lid 20; (3) removing the old lens from the camera; (4) placing the old lens in its corresponding depression 28; (5) removing new lens from case 10; (6) installing new lens on camera; (7) closing lid 20; and (8) rotating case 14) to the vertical position 60.

Rotation of the case 16 and opening and closing of the lid 20 are accomplished with one hand. The photographer never loses control of the case and, hence, damage to or inadvertent spilling of the accessories is prevented.

Alternative embodiment An alernative embodiment of the present suspending device is illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 12, inclusive. Corresponding numerals will be employed to identify corresponding parts heretofore described.

In this embodiment, a suspending device 90 is provided for suspending the case 10. The device 90 comprises a central member or rod 38 having spaced first arms 92 and spaced second arms 94 pivotally connected to its opposite ends. A shoulder strap 40 also has its opposite ends connected to the ends of the rod 38 and serves, as described above, to suspend the case 10 from the shoulder of a person. A side plate 96 is secured to each of the opposite side walls 14 of the case 10. The side plate 96 has a longitudinal groove 98 terminating at one end in a vertically projecting recess 100. An opening 102 is provided in the side plate 96 adjacent the opposite end of the groove 98, that is, the end of the groove 98 remote from the recess 100.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first arms 92. have their opposite ends pivotally connected to the side plates 96 by fasteners 104 passing through the opening 102 (FIG. 12). The second arms 94 have corresponding first ends 94a pivotally connected to the rod 38 (as by welding) and corresponding second ends 94b pivotally and slideably connected to the side plate 96 by a connector 106.

As best shown in FIG. 11, the connector 106 comprises a knob 108 having a rod segment 110 extending therefrom the corresponding second end 94b of the second arm 94 and then through the groove 98. The rod segment 110 may be provided with an expanded end 112 or any other suitable means, for retaining the rod segment 110 engaged in the groove 98. The corresponding second ends 94b are slideable along the grooves 98 toward and away from the fasteners 104 between a first location adjacent to the fasteners 104, as shown in FIG. 9, and a second location remote from the fasteners 104, as shown in FIG. 10.

The rod segment 110 is of a size which permits it to enter the recess 100 when the second arms 94 are in the aforesaid second location. Engagement of the rod segment 110 in the recess 100 prevents the second arms 94 from sliding back to that position shown in FIG. 9. If desired, the connector 106 may be provided with a releasable latching mechanism (not shown) for more positively securing the second arm 94 to the side plate 96 when the second arm 94 is in the position shown in FIG. 10.

It should be evident at this time that the connector 106 provides a pivotal connection between the second arms 94 and the case 10. Furthermore, the recess 100 and the end of the groove 98 immediately below the recess 100 comprise stop means for limiting the pivotal movement of the case 10 to the generally horizontal position 62 of FIG. 10. The opposite end of the groove 98 comprises stop means for limiting the pivotal movement of the case 10 to the generally vertical position 60 of FIG. 9.

In operation, the case 10 may be pivoted between the generally vertical position 60 of FIG. 9 to the generally horizontal position 62 of FIG. 10. When the case 10 is in the horizontal position, the lid may be opened in order to gain access to the interior of the case 10 and, hence, to the accessories carried therein. Again, rotation of the case 10 and opening and closing the lid 20 are accomplished with one hand. The photographer thus never loses control of the case 10 and, hence, damage to or inadvertent spilling of the accessories is prevented.

Although the invention has been shown and described in connection with certain specific embodiments, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that .various changes in form and arrangement of parts may be made to suit requirements without departing from the spirit and scope of our present invention.

We claim as our invention:

1. A device for suspending a carrying case having a bottom wall, side walls and a lid hinged to one of said side walls, said suspending device comprising: a generally U-shaped handle including spaced arms; pivot means for pivotally connecting said arms to opposite side walls of said case, said pivot means defining a pivotal axis for said case; strap means connected to said handle and adapted to suspend said case from a shoulder of a person and at one of his sides; and stop means for limiting the pivotal movement of said case about said pivotal axis to a first extreme position wherein said case is generally vertical and in a normal carrying position and to a second extreme position wherein said case is generally horizontal and access to the interior of said case is available by lifting said lid.

2. The device as defined in claim 1 including: a pair of bars having corresponding ends pivotally connected to said spaced arms at locations intermediate of the ends of said spaced arms; and a rod connecting corresponding opposite ends of said bars, said rod engaging said lid when said carrying case is in said first extreme position to prevent inadvertent opening of said lid and engaging a said upstanding side wall when said case is in said second extreme position to prevent inadvertent pivoting of said case towards said first extreme position.

3. The device is as defined as claim 2 wherein said rod engages that upstanding side wall to which said lid is hinged.

4. The device as defined in claim 1 including channel members having central webs spaced from said opposite side walls and inturned legs secured to said opposite side walls, said spaced arms being pivotally connected to said central web; and wherein said stop means comprises corresponding edges of said inturned legs.

5. The device as defined in claim 1 including channel members having central webs spaced from said opposite side walls and inturned legs secured to said opposite side walls, said spaced arms being pivotally connected to said central webs; and wherein said stop means comprises opposite edges of one of said inturned legs.

6. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein said pivotal axis is offset from the center of gravity of said case toward said bottom wall and one of said side walls, whereby said carrying case is unbalanced and when in said first extreme position and in said second extreme position, tends to rotate past the said stop means associated with said first extreme position and said second extreme position.

7. A device for suspending a carrying case having a bottom wall, side walls, and a lid hinged to one of said side walls, said suspending device comprising: a generally U-shaped handle including spaced arms; pivot means for pivotally connecting said arms to opposite side walls of said case, said pivot means defining a pivotal axis for said case; strap means connected to said handle and adapted to suspend said case from a shoulder of a person and at one of his sides; spaced second arms having corresponding first ends pivotally connected to said handle and corresponding second ends; means forming a groove at the opposite side walls of said case, said grooves extending away from said pivot means toward said one of said side Walls; means for slideably connecting said corresponding second ends of said second arms to said groove, said corresponding second ends being slideable toward and away from said pivot means between a first location adjacent to said pivot means and a second location remote from said pivot means; stop means engageable by said second arm for limiting the sliding movement of said corresponding second ends in said groove and hence the pivotal movement of said case about said pivotal axis between a first extreme position wherein said case is generally vertical and in 21 110111131 carrying position and a second extreme position wherein said case is generally horizontal and access to the interior of said case is available by lifting said lid; and means for retaining said corresponding ends of said second arms at said second location.

8. The suspending device defined in claim 7 wherein said pivot means is positioned adjacent that one of said side walls remote from the side wall to which said lid is hinged, whereby when said case is in said first extreme position said lid will be positioned adjacent to the side of the person carrying the case.

9. The suspending device defined in claim 7 including side plates secured to the opposite side walls of said case; said groove being formed in each of said side plates;

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 765,893 7/1904 Howard et a1. 22426 1,613,440 1/1927 Carek 2245.8 1,736,337 11/1929 Boi'el 224-5.8

GERALD M. FORLENZA, Primary Examiner.

R. BALLANTYNE, Examiner. 

